Over the last few weeks, you have probably heard and read a lot from the Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP) on the topic of workforce or Talent Development as we call it. When the CEP Board adopted our new 5-year strategic plan, Moving Forward-Phase II, in late 2016 it highlighted Talent Development as one of the two signature new project areas for the CEP. This new emphasis has really come into focus over the last year.  I want to discuss why this is such an important emphasis for the CEP and then explain what we are doing.

As communities across the country have been rebounding and growing post-Great Recession, one of the area’s that it became apparent had suffered was talent development. As companies, communities, and schools struggled to just remain viable, the importance of investing in workforce often went to the side. When this is coupled with the pending retirement of millions of Baby Boomers, a talent deficit becomes a clear reality. It is our belief that talent development is incredibly significant to the continued growth of our community. In fact, we believe the communities which figure out talent, will be the communities that win the next half century. Continue reading →

(OCALA, Fla.) July 17, 2018 – After months of seemingly endless practical and theoretical sessions, Ashley Andrews, Ocala Fire Rescue Firefighter/Paramedic, has become a certified Critical Care Paramedic (CCP).

Seeking a challenge and further knowledge of the field, Andrews, a 10-year department veteran, enrolled in the University of Florida’s Critical Care Paramedic program. “I have never been more academically challenged,” said Andrews of the immersive program. “Although [the certificate] was difficult to attain, it was certainly worth it.”

During the five-month program, topics ranging from biomechanics of ventilation and ventilator management to invasive blood pressure monitoring, and neonatal care, were covered through didactic and hands-on sessions. Despite requiring that program participants be experienced paramedics, the volume of material covered tests each student’s desire to obtain the CCP certification. Only those who learn the material as second nature successfully complete the program. Continue reading →

The Boys & Girls Club of Marion County was invited to meet and skate with Erin Jackson.

Ocala native and former Boys & Girls Club member, Erin Jackson, is a world champion inline speed skater and the first African-American woman to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Long Track Speed Skating Team. After winning 11 world championship medals and more than 45 national championships in a decorated inline skating career, Erin transitioned to the ice in 2017 to pursue her Olympic dream. Less than a year later, the 25-year-old phenom earned a spot on Team USA and made her international long track speed skating debut at the Olympic Winter Games Pyeong Chang 2018 in the women’s 500 meters event. Erin had a question and answer session with the Club kids. After enjoying a pizza lunch, Erin skated with the kids and signed autographs.

She was able to share with the kids that regardless of where you come from, if you work hard and pay attention in school, you can make your dreams come true.

It was a great event. Ribbon cutting celebration and open house at Brookdale Chambrel Pinecastle to  show off their facility. The Independent Living /Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care facility is one of the best. The event was well attended by residents and CEP/Ocala Chamber of Commerce members. The food was great, prepared in house. Great DJ, and staff. While I was there I shared an elevator to the second floor with a nice looking elderly lady. I asked “do you live here? She said “yes I do!” I asked “how do you like it here?” She replied “The staff here does a great job.” Pictured here are the staff, residents and visitors group dancing to music. Before it was over everyone was dancing. Great fun and I’m sure the residents loved it.

CVS has been in business since 1972 providing excellent home improvements for N Central Florida residents. Over the years, CVS has established an impeccable service record with over 68,000 home improvement projects completed and along with that, some very satisfied customers.  For over eighteen (18) consecutive years, CVS was voted the “Best of the Best” by the customers they serve. For all of your replacement windows screen enclosures, garage screen doors and many other home improvements, call Bobby at 352-425-0317 and visit www.cvswindowsfl.com.

Bronson brought his “tools” in to share with the members of Ocala Business Leaders. Day Break Studios is a video production company specializing in cinematic productions. We learned that there are different types of video available:

• Highlight Business Feature – a quick informational video about what you and your business do
• Sketch/Skit Video – tell a story, sometimes silly
• Documentary/Testimonial style – People will speak about their experience with you and your business

In some cases, a business may choose to do a combination of all three types of videos.

Ocala Business Leaders visited one of their members business, Climate Control. Pictured are some of the representatives that were in attendance. From left: Mick Ritter, Rachel West, Louie WiseIII (CEO Owner) and Dylan Wambles. Not pictured was Jerry Elkins who is on the mend from surgery. Climate Control is located in the Intec Building on NW 4th St. 

Columbia Bank celebratied their one year anniversary by having a ribbon cutting. CEP / Ocala Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, friends and customers attended. Columbia Bank is located on Silver Springs Blvd.

City of Ocala business offices will be closed Wednesday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.

Post Date:06/20/2018 1:10 PM

OCALA, Fla. (June 20, 2018) – City of Ocala business offices will be closed Wednesday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day. There will be no residential collection for sanitation, yard waste or recycling routes Wednesday, July 4.

Residential sanitation collection regularly scheduled for Wednesday, July 4 will be collected Thursday, July 5; collection regularly scheduled for Thursday, July 5 will be collected Friday, July 6. Continue reading →